Fort Sumter is a historic fort located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. It gained fame as the site where the American Civil War began in 1861

Fort Sumter is also known for its role in the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, enslaved people sought refuge at the fort

The fort's iconic flagpole, which was damaged during the bombardment in 1861, was eventually replaced and has since become a symbol

The fort is accessible by boat, and visitors can take guided tours to explore the remains of the original fortification and learn about its role in the Civil War

Fort Sumter became a national monument in 1948 and is now managed by the National Park Service

The fort remained under Confederate control throughout most of the war but was eventually recaptured by Union forces in 1865

The first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter when Confederate forces bombarded the fort for 34 hour

The fort was originally designed as a coastal defense structure to protect the city of Charleston and its harbor

Construction of Fort Sumter began in 1829 and was completed in 1861. It was named after General Thomas Sumter, a Revolutionary War hero

Fort Sumter is a historic fort located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. It gained fame as the site where the American Civil War began in 1861